A CONTROVERSIAL mural which was criticised for being disrespectful to the war dead has been painted over.

Barber shop owner Janice Stevens had the huge piece painted on the large gable end of her premises in Sherburn Village, near Durham.

It showed Edward Scissorhands holding his blades at the throat the throat of Mr T, with the slogan: "I pity the fool who don't go to. . .Lads and Dads.”

But it overlooked a memorial to men from the village killed in battle and Durham County Council wanted it removed.

Last week Ms Stevens was defiant, but on Friday the mural had been covered over in red paint.

The mother-of-eight was unavailable for comment when contacted by the Northern Echo today. (Sunday, March 9)